Let it snow!

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today, I'd like to show a card made for the Cas-ual Fridays Stamps blog challenge.  The challenge can be found here .  Dies ONLY challenge!

 

 

Products used:

 Funky Snowflakes from Cas-ual Fridays Stamps (no longer available)

Lawn Fawn - Let it snow

Distress Oxide

 

 



I miss you

Hello!  Thank you for stopping by

 

This week I am participating in the Cas-ual Fridays Tic Tac Toe Challenge.

I could have went many different ways in this challenge.  The board was amazing to work with.  In the end, I went with Butterflies, Add a tag and texture.

 

I decided to dig out my stencils to see what I had.  I definitely do not use them enough.   I came across a TCW Stencil and knew it was my golden ticket.  I then took Faber Castell whipped spackle and mixed a reinker from Cather Pooler Designs.   If you have reinkers, put them to use!  I hoard them, but also need to get them used even more.

 

To put the final touch on my card, I got out my Tim Holtz tag die set.   From Cas-ual Fridays, I used I Miss You from the Calm and Gentle stamp set (embossed in white).

 

I entered this card into the Cas-ual Fridays challenge:  Tic Tac Toe

 

 



 



Happy Birthday

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.

 

Today I want to share a card made for the Cas-ual Fridays Red, Pink and White challenge.

 

 

The new release from Cas-ual Fridays caught my eye.  I purchased a few goodies and thought I'd use them for my challenge card.

 

I used:

Full On Floral (background)

Heartfelt Sayings

 

To make my background,  I embossed in white from Brutus Monroe.  I just love his embossing powders.  I then took Rockin Red from Catherine Pooler Designs and with the ink blending tool started heavy red and the made the ombre look .  I then tied some white ribbon and stamped Happy Birthday from the Heartfelt Sayings in Red from Brutus Monroe.

 

The card is super cute and will definitely make someone's birthday a little brighter!

 

 

This card is entered into the Cas-ual Fridays Challenge here



Sympathy - Card Challenge #55

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by.

 

Today I would love to share a card made specifically for a challenge at Your Next Stamp.  This is a sketch as well as color challenge.

Here are the guidelines...   I made my sketch a variation of the sketch picture.  I got the inspiration from the circle, but opted to use many circles instead of one large.

   

 

 

Products used:

Your Next Stamp:  Elegant Greetings

Your Next Stamp: Circle Panel Die

Your Next Stamp: Bow-tiful Little Bows Die

 

 

 

 

I entered this card into the Challenge #55 at Your Next Stamp

Primitive Christmas

 

 

 Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by

I had time to play around with a few dies from the November release at Craftin Desert Divas and oh my oh my.. my new favs! The Winter Wonderland dies are FUN!

This is the mood board inspiration for November.  When posting on social media, be sure to use #cddmonthly and also join the Facebook group to share your creation.  Here is the group link  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428163220758119/

1.  I first took a kraft card base 5 x 6.5.  I buy my card bases at Michaels and love that they come with envelopes.
2.  I then laid out all of my card stock I wanted to use.  I made this card with the intention of following the November mood board from Craftin Desert Divas.
3.  I then cut with the picture frame die my bottom layer. 
4.  Next, I cut from the Fancy Frames my next layer.  This is by far my staple of dies.. You must have it LOL!
5.  I then cut the lantern die and candle
6.  Using the Winter Wonderland die set (which is packed full of amazingness) I cut the poinsettia in 4 different shades of brown/beige.  I cut 4 of each so I could layer the poinsettias.  There is a dotted crease on the poinsettia that allows you to nicely shape the flower if you'd like.  I did and it gives it such dimension.
7. Layering the poinsettia to whatever I felt looked nice, I glued them together and placed accordingly on my card.

 

 

 I hope you have enjoyed this card! 

 

CDD products used:
Winter Wonderland Dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/winter-wonderland-dies/
Lantern Die: http://craftindesertdivas.com/lantern-die/...
Fancy Frames: http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/
Picture Frame Die: http://craftindesertdivas.com/picture-frame-die/

Give Thanks

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Kara here from Create By Kara

 

Today I would love to show you a simple card created with a digital stamp called Scarecrow with a fence and can be found here.   When using a digital stamp, do not be intimidated!  I use a Brother Laser Printer for my digi stamps.  They are fun to use as you can make them any size you need. 

1.  I printed the Scarecrow with a Fence digi and colored with Spectrum Noir markers
2.  Next I used the Brother Scan N Cut to trim around the edge.  Don't think you need this device to use a digi.  You could simply use a die from the Fancy Frames selection and cut a frame or base.  You do not need to cut to be able to use these.
3.  I then took the Fancy Frame die set and cut a rectangle on white card stock. 
4.  Using the Outdoor Landscape die set, I took the hill die and cut to use as a mask.  I then laid the mask down and with the Clarity Stencil Brushes I brushed on the blue for the sky.  After the sky I used the other half of the mask and proceeded to brush on the grass color.  I set this aside while I compiled the other parts of my card.
5.  I then took brown card stock and cut 6.25 x 4 and embossed with an embossing folder.  I took brown ink and edged around the sides.  Let this dry completely.. I did not.. so learn from my lesson, LOL!
6.  I then took orange card stock and  trimmed 5.75 x 2.5.  Edged this in orange ink. 
7.  Using the Give Thanks from Thankful Squeaks stamp set and my MISTI.. I stamped the bottom right corner.
8.  I then layered the brown and orange as I wanted and added brown ribbon for a bit of interest.  I attach my ribbon using tape on the back of my card stock.  I then added the white hill piece and glued down my digi scarecrow.
9.  Finally, I added spectrum noir sparkle glitter pen on the pumpkins and sunflower.  The photo may not catch the sparkle.  Also adding a few sprinkles from Dooglebug to the bottom left corner to add the final touches. 

 

Products used
Scarecrow with a fence:   http://craftindesertdivas.com/scarecrow-with-a-fence-digital-stamp/

Outdoor Landscape: http://craftindesertdivas.com/outdoor-landscape-dies/

Fancy Frames:  http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/

Thankful Squeaks:  http://craftindesertdivas.com/thankful-squeaks/
Bon Bon Sprinkles:  http://craftindesertdivas.com/bon-bon-sprinkles-adhesive-glitter-enamel-embellishments/

 



Happy Birthday

Hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by

 

I created a card today for the Lawn Fawn Challenge, over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

 

Lawn Fawn Products used:

Put a Bow on It

 Let's Bokeh

Scripty Big Words

Lawn Fawn Perfectly Plaid paper pack

 

 

I entered this into the Wednesday Challenge at Simon Says Stamp



Pull yourself together!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

 

When I have ideas for a card, generally I have an idea of who it will be for.   I need to definitely get better at mailing cards, but when I had the idea for this card... I just knew it would be going to one of my girlfriends.  I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up on her desk at work.. She has an amazing sense of humor.

 

I started with the Sizzix Elegant Stand ups for my base.  These give such a gorgeous base (and I may have many of Stephanie's dies).  I also cut the strip along the bottom while cutting the base.  I later added pearls along that strip to dress it up.

 

I then took the stamp Pour Yourself a Drink from So Suzy Stamps and heat embossed in Brutus Monroe gold.  Added some foam dots to raise the panel and a few flat back pearls.

 

Finally, I tied a bow and glued it down.. and a gorgeous stand up card is the end product.

 

 

This card is entered into the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge:  Link

 

 

Affiliate links may be used in my blog.  This does not cost you anything to purchase. 

 



Butterfly Birthday - Stamp of Approval

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Have you purchased your Stamp of Approval box yet??  I hear it is almost sold out.  I absolutely loved this box and yes, I was privileged to win one.

 

A few days back Catherine posted a butterfly card and asked what color you would make yours... Naturally, I said purple.  Then I couldn't stop thinking about it.. so I made one.  My sister in law likes purple and I needed a birthday card.. so it worked so perfect. 

 

I used Altenew inks and the Lovely Notes Stamp of Approval.  I also used Dylusions spray to flick a bit of purple on the card.  I popped up the top layer with foam with a layer of purple behind.. It looks gorgeous in person! 

 

Happy Crafting!

~Kara

 



Pond Scene using Zig markers

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Today I'd like to showcase the Spring Pond die. from Die-Versions.

 

 

 

I simply took Strathmore Bristol Watercolor (smooth surface) paper and cut my die with the Vagabond 2.    I then used Zig Clean Brush Markers and a Water Brush to apply the color.  This is a super simple card, but I have a family member who loves the outdoors and flowers so she will LOVE it!

 

For the background, I took another piece of watercolor paper and with blues made a water and sky look.  I traced around the die cut with a pencil so that I just placed the blue where I needed to.  After assembling the card, I opted for an orange background so it would make the dragonfly pop a bit.

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  When shopping at Die-Versions be sure to use the code kara15 to receive 15% off from your order.  This can not be combine with any other sales or promotions. 

A cuppa thanks!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today starts a new linky challenge at Craftin Desert Divas.   If you have not entered challenges now is a great time to start!  The theme for the next two weeks is Coffee and can be found here.

 

If you do not have coffee stamps, Craftin Desert Divas has digital images you can print from home and color! 

 

For my card I started off by taking out the Fancy Frames die set.  This set and the flag banner set are staples in my crafting .. I use them on so many projects.. I highly recommend either of these (or both if you can).  I knew I wanted a brown look.. I guess brown and coffee go together.  I cut two panels from the Fancy Frames.  The largest panel I embossed with a coffee folder.  I set that aside and with the next panel I heat embossed using the Got Coffee Stamp set.   Embossing powder used was from Lindy's Stamp Gang called Café au Lait.  The photo does not capture the shimmer and shine from this powder, but not only does it accent your image .. it leaves a gorgeous shimmer to the entire piece. 

 

I then cut from the Flag Banner die set my favorite flag of all.  This adds so much dimension to your project.. I stamped and embossed A cuppa thanks with the same embossing powder from Lindy's Stamp Gang.

 

To assemble my card I used scor tape to adhere my largest panel.  I love scor tape because it is super secure and when I emboss I feel like there is so much not touching the paper.. anyways the scor tape is fabulous and strong!

 

Then with my next panel I used foam tape to raise this portion.  Adding my flag banner I actually raised this with tiny pieces of foam tape as well.   Adding one tiny bow with twine makes it a super cute card!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope that you will link up your card to join in the fun at the Craftin Desert Divas blog. 

 

CDD Products used:
Fancy Frame Dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/
Flag Banner Dies: http://craftindesertdivas.com/flag-banner-dies/
Got Coffee: http://craftindesertdivas.com/got-coffee/

 

 



Happy Birthday

Hello! Thanks for stopping by

 

Today I am showcasing my entry for the Your Next Stamp Sketch and Color Challenge.  It is Challenge #42 and can be found here

 

Here is the sketch and colors to work with

 

  

 

I started off with a 5x6.5 base card.  I then used yellow cardstock and Confetti background.  I embossed this in Brutus Monroe Alabaster.  I used the confetti again on the smaller pink flag .

 

I then took Happy Birthday from Balloon Buddies and placed that in my misti.  Embossed in WOW embossing powder.  I then added 3 green sequins for the finishing touch of using all 5 colors in the challenge. 

 

 

Happy Crafting

Kara



Pray for Orlando

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

I almost feel helpless in times of tragic happenings in the world.  I saw a card drive opportunity and I hopped to it.. These are the cards I created #prayforpulse

The stamped cards come from a brand new release from The Joy Collection found at Brutus Monroe.  I used Altenew inks in several different ink collections.  The banner if from Banner Flags at Craftin Desert Divas.
 

 



Love you

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I am using So Suzy Stamps and ink bites for my project.  The color combo in the ink bites are gorgeous! 

 

Items I will be using for this project

Swirly Hearts:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/swirly-hearts/

Love you:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/love-you/

Highland Ink bites:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/highland-spring-ink-bite-set/

Spray:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/spray/

Mini Spray:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/spray-mini/

Caribbean Ocean Nuvo drops:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/gloss-caribbean-ocean-nuvo-crystal-drops/

Sweet Lilac:  http://www.sosuzystamps.com/gloss-sweet-lilac-nuvo-crystal-drops/

 

I had watched a video from Jennifer McGuire on stamping a background and then adding white to the center of the card to give it a 'faded' look.  So I tried it on this card.  I used both sizes of spray stamps and randomly placed using the ink bites.  I then placed a layer of white on the center.  In the photo you may not be able to fully tell what is going on, but in person the center has a faded look and then brighter on the outsides..

 

I then took the Swirly Hearts stamp and stamped in the center using the same ink bite collection.  I LOVE that the love you stamp is the only left over color from the ink bite collection.. it stands out and looks fab. 

 

I then placed a few nuvo crystal drops on the card to finish it off.  These crystal drops are some of my first made.. I dropped some out on a piece of acetate in the beginning.. I've also dropped some directly to a card.. I love both ways.. if you drop them on a card .. be very careful that you don't smudge them or place something on top of it.. been there done that. LOL

 

If you have ink bites from So Suzy.. be sure to link up a card here

 

Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

 



Fun in the Garden

 

Hello!  Today I want to share the Linky Party at Craftin Desert Divas.  The theme is one of my FAVORITES... Shake it up!!  Yes, that means crank up those shaker crafty juices and get to crafting!  Shaker cards are so fun to make and not to mention you can just shake, shake, shake!!





Every other Monday will mark the beginning of a new semi-weekly Linky Party over at the CDD blog. We hope you will share your projects with us! And don't forget about the prizes! Every Linky Party will have a winner and a Top 3! The more times you link up...the more chances you have to win!!

 

Our Sponsors for this Linky Party are:

One 4x6 Stamp Set

 

One Digital Stamp of choice

 

I absolutely LOVE this linky challenge!!  For digi images, I use Word to position my images and print. I start off by printing my flower pot bear.   I use a Brother Laser Printer and Brutus Monroe cardstock to print my digi images.    Using my Spectrum Noir pens I color in the image until I love it!  My final touches for the bear is a bit of Glossy Accents to her eyes.

 

I then went to Too Cute By Jessica and purchased the files that match this digi stamp.  There was a 95% off sale and I love a good sale!

 

From those files I took the flowers an SVG file and imported it to my Cricut.  I cut out a few different sizes.. I wanted these as accents for my card.  I wanted a sweet sentiment for my card so I also programed my Cricut to write instead of cut "Fun in the Garden". 

 

I wanted my sequins to appear to be coming out of the flower pot so I chose the Fancy Stitched Label Dies for my shaker portion.  I cut a foam layer, transparency film, and cardstock layer.  I adhered them all together and let that sit over night with a little weight (usually I use a container of my ink cubes).  I am sure you don't need to let it set that long and I don't always. 

 

My background is simply Zest from Brutus Monroe.  I love to make my own color backgrounds and Brutus Monroe inks can do just about anything.

 

I then took my Fancy Frames die and cut two different shapes from that.  I wanted a fun bright color for my card and I believe I achieved that!  I filled my shaker in with Pizazz sequins (which currently I am obsessing over). 

 

I hope you enjoy this shaker card as much as I LOVED making it!

 



Craftin Desert Divas products used:

Flower Pot Bear - http://craftindesertdivas.com/flower-pot-bear-digital-stamp/
Pizazz Sequins - http://craftindesertdivas.com/pizazz-sequins/
Fancy Frames Dies - http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/
Fancy Stitched Label Dies - http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-stitched-label-dies/



 

Linky parties are from Monday at 12AM Arizona MST thru Sunday 12PM Arizona MST.

Any projects you submit must be linked to your blog or online gallery. 

Projects must be NEW, no back linking, please.

Number of entries for this linky party is unlimited.

You may link up ANY type of craft project (layout, card, altered item, tag (etc) as long as it goes with the theme of the party.

Please link your project back to Craftin Desert Divas Linky Party.

Winners will be randomly chosen by random.org

Love with butterflies

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Today I want to showcase the new Love from the Curly Words collection.  I absolutely love this new release from Die-Versions.

 

 

 

I have seen a few cards using the collar fold and of course I wanted to try one.  I assembled my card in a 5.5 x 5.5 fashion.  Most collar fold cards I have seen were to the right side, but I knew I wanted to use my word LOVE in some fashion.  So I decided to do a top fold collar style. I simply cut in about 1.5 inches and folded the edges of the cut line down.  It is helpful to use the point of your corners to make the fold.  I used my scor buddy to get a straight line.   I used the MFT Stamps border dies to make the edges on the folded card.  I had to do a partial for the edges on each side since I only wanted it on the edges.

Butterflies to me.. are a sign of hope and life.. The gorgeous butterflies are all from Crafters Companion, Sara Davies collection (an HSN purchase from Craft Day :) )  Along with the butterfly embossing folder.  This collection is stunning in person! 

 

I cut the Love die from Die-Versions Curly word collection in coordinating purple and adhered it to the top.    I then placed some Tonic Nuvo Crystal drops all over.  I got carried away, but I'm in love with these new drops.  I used some of the embossing folder for the pattern and added several that were not on the folder.

 

I hope this has inspired you to be crafty!  As always, when shopping at Die-Versions be sure to use kara15 for 15% off of your order.  This can not be combine with any other sales or promotions. 

 

 

~Kara

 

 

Hello!

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Today I want to share a card that I made for a color/photo challenge from Craftin Desert Divas.  This was my first ever color challenge and I felt the challenge for sure.   If you have never tried one, I challenge you!   Here is the color pallet to work with!

 

 

 

The card itself holds TONS of layers.  The Fancy Frames from Craftin Desert Divas is probably one of my most favorite purchases.  I use these dies non stop.

 

I picked up some Bristol watercoloring paper from Michaels this past week.. There was a wicked sale so I decided to get out my Zig Markers for this project.  While I still need practice, I do love these markers. 

 

 

 

 

Craftin Desert Divas products used:...
Fancy Frames : http://craftindesertdivas.com/fancy-frame-dies/
Pocket Pieces Hello: http://craftindesertdivas.com/pocket-pieces-hello-dies/
Chickie: http://craftindesertdivas.com/chickie/
Sequins: http://craftindesertdivas.com/pastel-paradise-sequins/

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Happy Crafting

 

This card is entered into the linky challenge at Craftin Desert Divas

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

 



Valentine's Day using Michaels Jar of Hearts

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

 

So after seeing all of the beautiful jars of hearts being shared on Facebook.. I couldn't resist these cuties..   I got an email that there was an additional 20% off your order that day I could go, so off to Michaels I went (I did have other items to pick up, so it wasn't the only reason) .  Valentine's was 50% off and then plus the additional 20% made them close to $5! I love a good sale.

 

I already had the idea brewing in my mind as to how I wanted to make my cards.  I used the new Brutus Monroe ombre ink pads.  Please please check these out if you have not already.  They are the bomb.com !!!

 

I didn't get a super great impression on all of my stamped hearts, but hey it worked for me.  I then took some twine and gave it a few wraps .  I also used the die from Heart of Hearts at Craftin Desert Divas and inked the white paper to match the card.  I also have the mini inks from Brutus Monroe.  Using my round sponge I just dabbed ink on each.

 

 

I hope this has inspired you to get crafty!

Happy Crafting

~Kara

 

 

This post is entered into the challenge:

DL Art - Valentine



Shaker card from Craftin Desert Divas and MFT STamps

Hello!  Thanks so much for stopping by

 

 

I can not be the only one obsessed with Shaker Cards.. RIGHT??  Shaker everything!!  Every week Craftin Desert Divas graciously gives a freebie digital stamp.  This bear is adorbs.. When I first laid eyes on her, I knew somehow I could shaker her heart up. LOL!

 

I printed out the image and got to coloring.  I then took my exacto knife and carefully cut the outline of the heart image.  I then took my black spectrum noir marker and traced where I had just cut for a more finished look.  I then stamped love you from the Avery Elle set Hogs and Kisses.  Filling in the heart with a few sequins and beads and then sealing it up with craft foam. 

 

I then took the C-U die from MFT Stamps and did two different patterns to make it pop.  Adding a few sequins to the die cut made it PERFECT!

 

This turned out super duper cute and I hope this inspired you to be crafty and create!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Kara

 



Camo Wedding Card

 

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by

 

Today I wanted to show a card I made for a wedding.  I absolutely love how it turned out.

 

I took my embossing folders out to choose the look I was thinking. I embossed a background panel and also paper for the white heart.  I then cut out the hearts using my Darice heart die.

 

I had made enamel dots from perler beads, so this was the perfect opportunity to add some to the card. I tied a little bow for the white heart..

 

Adding some camo paper behind my white panel added the final touch. 

 

It's a simple card. 

 

Thanks for stopping by

~Kara